California Public Resources Code

§ 3234

PRC § 3234 Effective Jan 1, 2022Div. 3 · Ch. 1 · Art. 4

Statute text

(a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all the well records, including production reports, of any owner or operator that are filed pursuant to this chapter are public records for purposes of the California Public Records Act (Division 10 (commencing with Section 7920.000) of Title 1 of the Government Code).

(2)Those records are public records when filed with the division unless the owner or operator requests, in writing, that the division maintain the well records of onshore exploratory wells or offshore exploratory wells as confidential information. The records of other wells may be maintained as confidential information if, based upon information in a written request of the owner or operator, the supervisor determines there are extenuating circumstances. For onshore wells, the confidential period shall not exceed two years from the cessation of drilling operations as defined in subdivision (e). For offshore wells, the confidential period shall not exceed five years from the cessation of drilling operations as specified in subdivision (e).

(3)Well records maintained as confidential information by the division shall be open to inspection by those persons who are authorized by the owner or operator in writing. Confidential status shall not apply to state officers charged with regulating well operations, the director, or as provided in subdivision (c).

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Legislative history

Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 368. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.